Satisfaction
KITCHEN - Otis Redding Lyrics


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I can't get no satisfaction
I can't get no satisfaction
I can't get no satisfaction
I have tried, I have tried
I have tried, I have tried

I can't get me no, ha-ha
And I can't get no, uh, now

When I'm driving in my car
And the man comes on the radio
Keep a-tellin' me more and more
About that useless information
He's tryin' to mess up my imagination

And I can get me no, no, no
And I can get me no
Hey, hey, hey, what I say?
You gotta, gotta, gotta-groovy
We gotta have it, we gotta have it
We gotta have it, we gotta have it
Keep on grooving, keep on grooving
We keep on grooving
Got, no, my, yeah, said

I can't get no satisfaction
I can't get no, no satisfaction
I have tried, I have tried
I have tried, I have tried, tried, tried
I can't get me no, no, no
And I can't get me no, no, no, no

We gotta groove it, groove it, oh my now
Keep-keep on knockin', knockin' baby, yeah
Ow, gotta, gotta have it, we gotta
Keep, keep, ah

Not ever, woman, she waits long time
This little girl is tryin' to put me down
I keep on runnin' round in my sleep
I keep on messin' up any beat
I keep on rockin', I try to find me
Somebody to love me
And give me some reaction
And I can find nobody, no, no, nobody
Give me no reaction, 'faction, 'faction got to have it
Satisfaction, we got to have it
Satisfaction, earlier in the morning




Satisfaction, later in the evening
Call it satisfaction, in the midnight hour

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Satisfaction" by Otis Redding convey a sense of frustration and discontentment. The repeated line "I can't get no satisfaction" illustrates a feeling of constantly wanting something that remains elusive. The repetition emphasizes the singer's inability to find fulfillment despite their efforts.


The opening lines "I have tried, I have tried" suggest that the singer has made numerous attempts to find satisfaction, but they have all been unsuccessful. This repetition underscores their persistence in seeking fulfillment.


The second verse introduces the idea of outside influences hindering the singer's satisfaction. The mention of driving in the car and the man on the radio represents the intrusion of unnecessary and unhelpful information. This interference impairs the singer's ability to fully engage their imagination and find contentment.


The chorus repeats the refrain "I can't get no satisfaction" once again, emphasizing the singer's ongoing struggle. The addition of the ad-libs "ha-ha" and "uh" adds a touch of frustration and resignation to the lyrics.


The final verse introduces a sense of vulnerability and a longing for love and connection. The singer feels that they are constantly let down and unable to find someone to fulfill their emotional needs. The repetition of "nobody, no, no, nobody" emphasizes the absence of a meaningful relationship and the lack of reaction or response from others.


Ultimately, "Satisfaction" captures a universal feeling of discontentment and the enduring search for fulfillment. Despite the repetition of frustration, the song suggests that satisfaction is a fleeting and elusive concept that may be difficult to attain.


Line by Line Meaning

I can't get no satisfaction
I am unable to find contentment or fulfillment


I have tried, I have tried
I have made numerous attempts


When I'm driving in my car
While I am in my vehicle


And the man comes on the radio
When the announcer speaks on the radio


Keep a-tellin' me more and more
Continuously providing me with information


About that useless information
Regarding information that is of no value


He's tryin' to mess up my imagination
Attempting to disturb my creative thinking


And I can get me no, no, no
And I am unable to obtain anything


Hey, hey, hey, what I say?
Listen to what I am about to express


You gotta, gotta, gotta-groovy
You must have a fantastic experience


We gotta have it, we gotta have it
We need to obtain it


Keep on grooving, keep on grooving
Continue to dance and enjoy


Got, no, my, yeah, said
I do not possess the things I desire


We gotta groove it, groove it, oh my now
We need to dance energetically


Keep-keep on knockin', knockin' baby, yeah
Persistently pursue and strive for success


Ow, gotta, gotta have it, we gotta
Oh, we absolutely need it


Not ever, woman, she waits long time
Every woman doesn't wait patiently


This little girl is tryin' to put me down
A young woman is attempting to undermine me


I keep on runnin' round in my sleep
I continue to be restless even in my sleep


I keep on messin' up any beat
I consistently ruin any rhythm


I keep on rockin', I try to find me
I persist in living life energetically, seeking


Somebody to love me
Someone to care for and show affection


And give me some reaction
And provide me with a response


And I can find nobody, no, no, nobody
But I am unable to find anyone


Give me no reaction, 'faction, 'faction got to have it
I receive no response, 'faction, 'faction need it


Satisfaction, we got to have it
Fulfillment, we must obtain it


Satisfaction, earlier in the morning
Fulfillment, starting early in the day


Satisfaction, later in the evening
Fulfillment, even as the day progresses


Call it satisfaction, in the midnight hour
Refer to it as fulfillment, during the late night




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Michael Jagger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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